Carrying the Torch at Our Highland Games

What do you get when you mix tartan hats, inflatable costumes, and a coach full of residents ready for anything? The Highland Games, Almond Valley style.

On 30th May, we set off from the home with matching t-shirts, big smiles, and just enough sunscreen. We joined residents and staff from eight other care homes across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife at Manor Grange for a day full of laughter, competition, and the occasional flying haggis.

The day kicked off with our homemade torch, crafted the week before from a cardboard tube, tissue paper flames, and a lot of glue. One of our residents proudly carried it into the arena, Olympic-style, to open the games. From there, it was all action. Foam axe throwing (no injuries, just cheers), whisky tumbler stacking (harder than it sounds), and a surprisingly competitive round of hook-a-duck. Of course, it wouldn’t be the Highland Games without the famous haggis toss, which proved to be a crowd favourite.

The real wildcard was the dancing inflatable bunny. Yes, Care Home Manager Maggie went full costume and had us all in stitches. Between the games, the laughs, and the sunshine, the day felt less like a competition and more like a giant outdoor party with old friends—and a few new ones. More than the games themselves, it was the people that made the day. Residents high-fived, swapped stories, and shared snacks with folks they'd never met before and old friends living at other care homes.

By the end of the afternoon, we were sun-warmed, slightly tired, and already talking about next year’s rematch. The bus ride home was full of chatter and plans for bigger hats, better chants, and maybe a second bunny suit. Events like this are more than just a good day out—they remind us that joy, fun, and friendship don’t have an age limit. And if there’s foam axe throwing involved? Even better.

To find out more about what we get up to to keep our days fun and our residents active at Almond Valley Care Home, please get in touch. We'd love to invite you for a tour of our home and a chat with some of our residents.